DisLog: Electric vechicles for efficient urban distribution logistics

Today’s commercial transport has to cope with ever smaller shipments on the one hand, and increasing requirements of speedy and time-exact delivery on the other. Yet, in the context of growing environmental awareness, an increased efficiency of distribution systems and the search for alternative vehicles causing fewer emissions is of central importance. Furthermore, increasing traffic volumes and a lack of parking places is adding to the challenges of urban distribution systems. Electric vehicles offer themselves as alternative vehicle concepts. The choice of e-vehicles for commercial transport is still very limited, though, and little is known about the requirements and impacts of electric vehicles on the efficiency of urban deliveries. This is also due to the low number of vehicles currently in use. The project DisLog investigates how, and under which conditions, electric vehicles can best contribute to an improved urban logistics system.

Project

The logistics concept developed within the frame of the DisLog project is aimed at urban distribution requirements. Based on empirical research and extended expert interviews, detailed requirements towards such an urban distribution concept will be identified. The resulting developed specifications form the basis for the configuration of vans and small transport vehicles equipped with electric engines, as well as for their custom-made transportation units. In a further step, these innovative concepts will be tested and evaluated. The DLR is accompanying and analysing the testing of these innovative vehicles and distribution systems. Based on the findings, further development requirements toward electric vehicles, distribution concepts and regulatory measures for electric delivery vehicles will be derived.

Objectives

It is the aim of the project to contribute to the optimisation of urban logistics by means of electric vehicles. Innovative transport vehicles and adapted logistics concepts will be developed and tested by the project partners. Based on the outcome of the observation and analysis of these concepts’ use, further needs towards electric vehicles for urban distribution will be derived.

Contracting entity

Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, within the frame of the "Schaufenster Elektromobilität"